Local News at Your Fingertips

Local nursing leader appointed

Country Health SA today announced that Nursing and Midwifery staff and services in the South East region will be overseen by Paul Bullen, who has been appointed to a new leadership role. Mr Bullen, from the Mount Gambier and Penola Hospitals, is one of five new Regional Directors of Nursing and Midwifery appointed across country South Australia this week. Country Health SA Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services, Lyn Olsen, said Mr Bullen will help build strong relationships between hospitals in the South East region.

“The Regional Director of Nursing and Midwifery will provide additional support to our hard working Directors of Nursing and Midwifery and nursing and midwifery teams based at local hospitals,” Ms Olsen said.

“Working alongside the Regional Community Health Manager, Mr Bullen will strengthen the link between hospital, aged and community care on a whole-of-region level, while sharing knowledge to improve how services are delivered for local patients.

“Mr Bullen will remain the Director of Nursing and Midwifery of his current hospitals and be based from there, with additional support offered as he takes on this exciting new role.”

Ms Olsen said this model of clinical governance will provide professional development and mentoring opportunities for country nursing staff and is similar to what is currently in place across Western Australia.

“We have worked closely with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation SA Branch in establishing these roles,” Ms Olsen said.

“This follows detailed discussions held with nursing leaders from Queensland and Western Australia.”

The five successful regional directors were appointed following a recruitment process which was open to all country hospital nursing leaders. They are:

South East – Paul Bullen.

Barossa Hills Fleurieu – Anne Price.

Riverland Mallee Coorong – Karen Hollitt.

Yorke and Northern – Tracy Haynes.

Eyre Flinders and Far North West – Andrew Lane.

The recruitment process for the sixth Regional Director of Nursing and Midwifery, who will oversee the Eyre Flinders and Far North East region, is continuing.

Following a 12 month trial, the Regional Director of Nursing and Midwifery roles will be reviewed by Country Health SA.